Assessment of genetic relatedness in roses by DNA fingerprint analysis

DNA fingerprint analysis of genetic relatedness between rose genotypes, using human-derived minisatellite probes, correctly reflected relationships within and between categories of rose plants. Nearly identical DNA fingerprint patterns were observed for cultivars 'Dick Koster' and its two sports. A high level of similarity was detected between genotypes of the hybrid tea category while a low level of similarity was detected within the miniature category. Between categories, the highest level of similarity was detected between hybrid tea and floribunda categories, the lowest between hybrid tea and miniature categories. Comparisons of a wild species, Rosa canina, with all cultivated hybrid categories revealed very large differences.